Forest of Tian Shui

[Richard]

(You people want something to do, while im gonna roleplay here by myself and if you wish join me, no matter who you are or your lord. No fighting though please)

Outside the beautiful city of Tian Shui stands a forest of immense depth and beauty. Many a man has entered and found himself lost amongst the vast array of trees. The only break in the forest is a small river that snakes through the forest from the mountains


Our scene now changes too that of a man sat with his feet dangling in the water and his boots next to him, he wears all black and wouldnt like out of place in a funeral palour. Still, he sits and waits with nothing but his fishing pole for company

"What a lovly day for fisihing"

The man is a member of the infamous partnership famed for there daring escapes from the Law,his name is Richard and together with his Partner in crime Leon they are famed world round

[Celestia]

(ok this is before I arrive in Tian Shui)

Traveling through the forest on the way to Tian Shui was Celestia. The sun was shining brightly and the rider was enjoying the rays on her face. She was at a leisurely pace, taking her time enjoying the scenery. The trail was long, it was impossible to escape the clutches of the forest in a single day so Celestia decided it was best to find a suitable place to rest while it was still light. In the dark she could easily lose her way and become lost in the unforgiving woodland, she could never fulfill her objective should that happen. Further down the path she began to hear the sound of water in the distance. She checked her flask and realised it was nearly empty. She guided her Shadowy Black Horse Undrentide off the path heading in the direction of the water.

It was a picturesque scene with the shadows from the lush green trees over the still clear water filled with juicy looking fish. She dismounted and tied her uncles horse to a nearby tree, she knealt down next to the water and filled her flask to the top, she took this rest as an opportunity to eat a portion of her rations. When she was satisfied she laid on the grass her hands behind her head and began to chew on a piece of long grass. It was only then did she notice Richard fishing, he had not said a word since she arrived and she suddenly felt very uneasy. She had not had nice experiences with men and she felt she should move on as soon as possible. However she did pluck up the courage to speak, in a soft timid voice she said

"Hello there my lord, You must forgive my intrusion I did not realise this riverbank was taken"

[Richard]

Richard ignored the girl as she came in and carried on with his fishing, he had caught only a few small fish all day but this was enough for him for one night. He then heard someone speak. It was so quiet, barly a whisper on the wind but just loud enough so the words would not be lost in the endless forest

"Lord?, i am no lord miss. Simply a person lost in the vast world"

Richard did not answer her second point about the riverbank being taken, he did not often find himself in company with anyone except for his friend Leon but he would not push the point and seem Over bearing. He would wait until she asked to come talk to him or left, still he icked up what little he had caught hanging from the hook and moved it so as the scent would catch on the wind and would be near impossible to pick up

[Celestia]

She smiled uneasily trying to be pleasant but it was not a comfortable smile, more of a worried smile. She began to look around her wondering if she could sneak away without the man noticing, this would not be possible, she was laying in an awkward place. It was then she became aware that she was not safe, there was something about this man that made Celestia even more nervous than she usually was. She sat up and took another look at the balding brick house. If the man tried to take advantage of her she would not be able to fend him off, her weapons were still in a bag tied onto her uncles horse. She coughed to clear her throat and spoke again, this time a little less timid but not filled with confidence.

"You must forgive me but I think I have intruded on your personal time for too long, I had better be off, I must reach Tian Shui"

She raised herself to her feet and took a bow, then it struck her, she was searching for somebody, she had no idea what this man looked like. Her lack of confidence in trusting men may be her downfall, what if this man knew where she could find her uncle? What is this man was her uncle? She had no choice, she took a deep breath and moved slowly closer to the relaxed Richard

"Erm, I was wondering if you might be able to help me kind sir?"

She bowed again, keeping her brown eyes firmly fixed on Richard, she was on guard should he try anything funny

[Richard]

"Depends what your after"

Richard felt a tug and pulled at his fishing rod but brought it up and simply found he had snagged the weeds in the river, he put the line back in the water and looked up and realised the sun had started to shine through the canopy of trees above

"So then what is it your after help with"

Richard averted his gaze from the piece of wood acting as his float to turn to the lady and speak to her. First he decided it would be best to introduce himself

"Before you answer, My name is Richard. Thats all you need to know"

Richard stood and bowed and than sat back down keeping one eye on her and one eye on the float, he could tell from the way she was walking and seeming to jump from one foot to another, that she was nervous. She probally half expected him to pounce on her now or something, this wasnt the first time people treated him like this either

[Celestia]

Upon hearing the word 'Richard' she sighed heavily, this was not her uncle, her search had to continue, for more than a year she had wandered the land with nobody to keep her company other than her dead uncles horse and the various sleaze merchants she pleasured in order to make some much needed money. However there was a chance this Richard might have heard where her uncle was, or even knew him personally. It was a long shot but she was certain she would find him somewhere in these lands. Her Golden Guardian Angel had told her so. She began to slowly run her elegant fingers through her hair, her deep brown eyes were striking, they seemed sad somehow, as if they had seen more horror than anybody should.

"Hello Sir Richard, I was wondering if you knew of a man who goes by the name of Mortiss?"

[Richard]

"First, should we ever meet again drop the Sir. Next, i do not know this Mortiss personally but rumor says he is in these lands. I have heard much about him and no doubt the easiest way if your looking for him is to simply wait until the first battle of many happens. He will appear there"

Richard had indeed heard much about this "Mortiss" and the intricate Web he has wooven, and the constant battles he faught. He heard tales of this man killing someone for simply bringing him the wrong food or drink

"I trust you are heading to see this Ba Zeng to join him, i will warn you. Being female will mean you will instantly be saught after. If you do not mind the compliment you are a very good looking young woman and a prize catch for any general"

Richard knew the sort, for his best friend Leon was the same. Even now he was probally chasing after the women

"I have been brought up with a healthy respect for women but be warned many have not had my fortunate upbringing. All men, in battle will be garunteed a honorable death but should you fight and captured a fate much worse will await you"

Richard was very intelligent despite what first glance would portray him as, nothing but a big brute. In fact he was a lot smarter than most in the world and he wouldnt hurt a fly unless he was forced to, he left that part to Leon. Still he continued

"You will be used as a trophy of war and paraded around. Take heed of my advice and watch your back, and should you ever need it dont be afraid to ask for help but be sure the person you ask it from you can trust"

[Celestia]

Celestia listened attentively to Richard, it seemed as though her uncle had made quite a reputation for himself, for good or ill she could not say. It did not matter to her though, she had to find him regardless. He was her last hope of finding her father, surely he must know something of him. All she knew at the moment was his name, Shadow, if that even was his real name.

As Richard changed the subject Celestia became nervous once again, her face became beet red with embarrassment. She knew of what Richard spoke. For as long as she remembered she had been in the company of men who only wanted her for her body. One of her earliest memories was of one of her Aunties many allied lords deciding it would be fun to abuse her. She was used to that kind of treatment but it still horrified her to think she would have to do such degradable acts again. However she did not trust this Richard either, she had only ever met one man she could trust in her entire life and he was dead a day later after meeting him. She decided it was best to leave Richard and continue on toward Tian Shui as soon as possible.

"I thank you for your warning and your compliment but it is not necessary, I've learned how to survive by any means I can. I may not be the most talented person around but I know how to use the talents I do have."

[Richard]

"Good bye then young Lady, remember what i said"

Richard now turned his full gaze to his fishing and muttered something along the lines of "Bloody Prostitute". Still, her choice

[Leon]

~ Where the hell is the guy?! I bet he's fishing again. Why doesn't he ever say where he's to? ~ It was a bright sunny morning, a perfect morning for relaxation. Unfortunately, the redhead was not relaxed at all. Last night's events quickly caught up with him as he woke up. He had expereinced hangovers, heck, he was drunk almost every night, and still he never got used to the headaches in the morning. The redhead was riding a white steed through the forest. One would expect that when you ride such a magnificent steed that you ride proudly. But Leon was bent forward, looking funny at moments. He frowned as a spear of sunshine pierced through the branches, making Leon put an arm in front of his eyes. Cursing he continued to ride, soon hearing the sound of a flowing river. Getting his horse in a gallop he reached a river, there on the other side was his partner. Grinning he called out.

''Catch anything yet?''

[Richard]

"No, now if you excuse me i have something to do"

Richard stood and walked off

[Leon]

''Well, don't blame me for asking?''

With that he decided to follow him on his horse, what the hell was wrong with him today?